Book Review: Gideon

Reviewed By: Fiona Walker

Gideon     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Russell Andrews
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller
Warner, 1999, 580pp

When struggling writer Carl Granville is approached by a successful editor at the funeral of his agent he is excited to learn that she has a project in mind for him, if he chooses to accept it. She wants him to ghost-write a fictional novel based on real events that will potentially earn him a fortune. The only problem is that she wants it done fast. Real fast. He will have to turn a series of diaries, letters and articles into explosive fiction within just a few weeks. Carl accepts.

However, within a few days, Carl begins to get uneasy. He’s not entirely comfortable with what the diaries are disclosing ­ in effect, the murder of a small child ­ and is unsure whether he really wants to continue. But then, two people close to Carl and brutally murdered, including the editor who originally approached him, and Carl, with no evidence at all to support his claims and no alibi, finds himself to be the prime suspect. Carl quickly realises that he’s in great danger…there’s someone out there who doesn’t want this book written, and they’re prepared to go to grave lengths to ensure that it isn’t…

Excellent thriller. That’s really all I can say. Human characters, great writing, and an absolute snake of a plot. It twists and turns and shocks in ways that would make Jeffery Deaver proud. The plot is original enough, and adds a nice twist to the accepted "innocent-man - on-the-run" formula. The protagonist is a wonderful every-man, and very easy to like. I can only applaud this tense, exciting thriller from the pen of David Handler and Peter Gethers. It’s very rare that books written by two people actually work, but Gideon is certainly one of the exceptions. This book should please all thriller fans, and I’m very much looking forward to reading "Icarus", which sounds equally thrilling…

Fiona Walker

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Fiona Walker

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.